Database administrator, Database Management System

The Database administrator (DBA) uses the data dictionary in each phase of a database life cycle, beginning from the data gathering phase to the design, execution and maintenance phases. Documentation given by a data dictionary is as valuable to end users and managers, as it is necessary to the programmers. Users can decide their applications with the database only if they know exactly what is stored in it. For example, the explanation of a data item in a data dictionary may have its origin and other text description in plain English, in addition to its data format. Therefore, users and managers will be able to see exactly what is available in the database. A data dictionary is a road map which helps users to access information within a large database.